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WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES IN GOA
BHAGWAN MAHAVIR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
 The
Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Goan
town of Molem. With a total area of 240 sq kms, this is the largest
of Goa's four protected wildlife areas, and contains within it The
Molem National Park. The sanctuary is situated on the eastern
border of Goa, with Karnataka 53 kms away from Panaji and
54 kms away from Margao. It is easily accessible by both
road and rail. Unless you stay for at least a couple of days, it
is unlikely that you will catch a glimpse of many of the animals
that are sheltered in the sanctuary, including Gaur, Sambar,
Leopards, Spotted Deer, Slender Toris, Jungle Cats, Malayan Giant
Squirrels, Pythons and Cobras.
The sanctuary's setting in the foothills of the Western Ghats
is wonderful and the countryside is one of the most peaceful
that you'll come across in Goa. One hundred metres west of the entrance
to the Molem Tourist Resort is the Nature Education Centre,
where you can contact the Range Forest Officer, from
whom you can obtain permission for vehicle access through the main
park gate (which is about 3 km east along the National Highway 4).
There is also an observation platform a few kms into the park and
the best time to see wildlife is in the early morning or late evening.
AROUND MOLEM
 Tambdi
Surla Mahadeva Temple
The structure of the 13th century Mahadeva Temple at Tambdi
Surla is the only surviving evidence of the glorious Kadamba
Dynasty in Goa. Besides being historically interesting, it's
also visually striking. The temple appears to have survived the
ravages of both the Muslim and Portuguese invaders by the
virtue of its incredibly isolated location. It's not amply clear
why this particular spot was chosen against other accessible places
in or around Goa. There's no evidence of any major settlement nearby.
In addition, the temple has been constructed of black basalt,
which is not available anywhere in Goa, thereby weaving a thick
shroud of mystery around the origins of this temple and it's history.
 The
clarity of the designs on the stone is a testimony not only to the
skill of the artisans, but also to the quality of the rock that
was imported for the construction. In particular, at about head
height on each pillar there is a deeply carved groove, which is
thought to have once contained small balls carved from the same
piece of stone. Above the groove, the symmetrical discus shaped
section is symbolic of the cymbals used in Hindu services. The
best examples of the carvers' skills, however,are the superbrelief
panel set in the centre of the ceiling,which depicts a lotus flower
and the finely carved screen which separates the outer hall from
the inner area or 'antaralya'. The temple is about
13 kms north of Molem, and a trip out to it, along the quiet country
lanes, is an experience not to be missed.
Instruction to tourists: No public transport available.
Make own arrangements.
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